April 14, 2021 • bachelor insider
Colton Underwood Comes Out: Bachelor Nation and Hollywood Stars Share Their Support
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After former Bachelor Colton Underwood came out as gay in an interview with Robin Roberts that aired Wednesday on “Good Morning America,” Hollywood stars and franchise figures reacted with messages of support.
From the remorse he feels for ex Cassie Randolph to the spiritual struggles he faced to finally accepting his sexuality this year, Colton candidly discussed the challenges and triumphs of his coming out story.
“I’m emotional — but I’m emotional in such a good, happy, positive way,” he said on “GMA.” “I’m the happiest and healthiest I’ve ever been in my life and that means the world to me.”
Colton added, “I’m still the same Colton everybody met on TV. I’m still the same Colton to my friends and my family. I just happen to be able to share with people, now, all of me and I am proud of that. I am proud to be gay.”
One of the first to congratulate Colton was Billy Eichner, who met the handsome lead during a memorable guest appearance on “The Bachelor” Season 23 in 2019. “Congrats @coltonunderwood!” the comedian captioned a clip from the episode posted on Instagram. “If you’re gay, be gay! I’ve been gay forever and I love it!”
As fans may recall, Billy told Colton on camera, “I’m gay. I know that’s a shock, Colton. And that I think you should look into. Maybe you’re the first gay Bachelor and we don’t even know.”
Colton — who was at a loss for words at the time — responded in the comments section of Billy’s post, writing, “Love you. Love this (now) and now I love being gay.”
“Schitt’s Creek” actor Dan Levy applauded Colton, tweeting, “’Coming out’ can be terrifying, uncomfortable, and traumatizing in a world where we are made to fear the consequences of living freely. Let that sink in. So happy for you @colton Underwood. His courage will undoubtedly save lives today.”
Meanwhile, Andy Cohen wrote via social media, “You’re free now @colton.”
Chris Harrison was also among the notable names who praised Colton. “Very proud of you today @coltonunderwood,” the host captioned a photo of the pair on Instagram. “Happy to see you stand up and openly live your truth. You have my love and support my friend.”
Franchise alums showed Colton love as well, including Tayshia Adams, who appeared on his season of “The Bachelor” before leading “The Bachelorette” Season 16 in 2020. “@colton I am so proud of you for finally being able to share and live your truth,” she wrote. “Sending you love and support!”
Nicole Lopez-Alvar, who also competed for Colton’s final rose on “The Bachelor,” tweeted, “I’m so proud of you, @colton!”
Season 7 Bachelorette Ashley Hebert added in an Instagram Story post, “There is nothing more freeing than living a life that is true to who you are. So happy for you @coltonunderwood.”
In response to Colton’s revelations, the producers of the Bachelor franchise released the following statement: “We are so inspired by Colton Underwood’s courage to embrace and pursue his authentic self. As firm believers in the power of love, we celebrate Colton’s journey in the LGBTQIA+ community every step of the way.”
Colton reacted to all the support he received in a statement to “GMA” on Thursday: “The support and messages from everyone in my life (my old teammates, my friends, family, coaches and even my pastor) have meant the world to me.”
For people who identify as LGBTQ, if you or someone you know is feeling hopeless or suicidal, you can also contact The Trevor Project's TrevorLifeline 24/7/365 at 1-866-488-7386.
Check out the supportive messages for Colton below.
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